Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Ways To Prevent Transmission Of Genital Herpes
Question: I am just starting a relationship with a 55 year old man who informed me that he has herpes before we have had sex. He says that he is very responsible and that he knows when he is going to have an outbreak and that none of his partners have contracted it. I'm impressed that he told me before we have become intimate. I have just divorced after 22 years of marriage and I want to be careful. I really do like this man very much. What do I need to do?
Brief Answer:
Genital herpes can transmit even during asymptomatic phases
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us.
I have taken note of your query and I have understood it.
It is really good and honest on his part to disclose that he has genital herpes and therefore puts the onus on you whether you want to get into a sexual relationship with him or not.
No doubt the risk of transmission is greatest during a clinical episode of genital herpes/ genital sores but it is a well known fact that herpes virus is also shed asymptomatically from time to time and therefore there is a genuine risk of sexual transmission even during clinically asymptomatic phases.
Apart from avoiding sexual contact during a clinical episide of genital sores, a condom would further reduce the chances of transmission of genital herpes by 50% but still they won't be absolutely Zero.
Regards
Genital herpes can transmit even during asymptomatic phases
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us.
I have taken note of your query and I have understood it.
It is really good and honest on his part to disclose that he has genital herpes and therefore puts the onus on you whether you want to get into a sexual relationship with him or not.
No doubt the risk of transmission is greatest during a clinical episode of genital herpes/ genital sores but it is a well known fact that herpes virus is also shed asymptomatically from time to time and therefore there is a genuine risk of sexual transmission even during clinically asymptomatic phases.
Apart from avoiding sexual contact during a clinical episide of genital sores, a condom would further reduce the chances of transmission of genital herpes by 50% but still they won't be absolutely Zero.
Regards
Note: Consult a Sexual Diseases Specialist online for further follow up- Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
